Continental Circus [Original Soundtrack]

AllMusic Review
by David Ross Smith

Gong performed the soundtrack for Continental Circus, Jerome Laperrousaz's film about the 1970 Grands Prix 500cc. Laperrousaz also collaborated with Gilli Smyth on the compositions, which are tighter and more intricate than the band's previous release, Magick Brother. This is possibly the smallest number of musicians involved on any Gong project, and it shows in the sound of the music -- straightforward progressive rock with no surprises. Keys and synth are kept to a minimum as the band plunges forth with the standard guitar, bass and drums. Malherbe's playing (sax/flute) has not yet moved to the forefront, and the band decided to drop the psychedelic angle for this outing. Much of the music is strictly guitar-driven, with the final instrumental cut resembling early King Crimson, as is the case on several cuts from the following, far superior release, Camembert Electrique. [There is a bootleg version of Continental Circus in existence with twice as many tracks.]